Midwives’ experiences of providing contraception counselling to immigrant women

ObjectiveTo describe midwives’ experiences of providing contraception counselling to immigrant women.MethodsThe study was conducted with a qualitative design, based on interviews followed by inductive content analysis. Ten midwives were interviewed, working at midwife-led prenatal clinics in immigrant-dense areas in southern Sweden.ResultsMidwives require knowledge and understanding of cultures and religions in order to provide contraception counselling to immigrant women. It is important for the midwives to be aware that women have different values regarding sexual and reproductive health. The challenge for the midwives is to understand and to be curious about every woman’s lifeworld perspective, culture and religion. The midwives knowledge and understanding of cultures and religions is acquired through experience and shared between them. Knowledge makes a midwife confident in her role as the contraception counselling provider to immigrant women.ConclusionCultural and religious factors affect contraception counselling. According to the midwives, knowledge and awareness of these factors is crucial and leads to improved understanding of midwives providing contraception counselling, better compliance, fewer unwanted pregnancies and improved sexual and reproductive health among women.     

Swedish women’s experiences of menopausal transition: A focus group study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine women’s experience of menopausal transition and their expectations and wishes for support from healthcare. Further, to examine their knowledge about menopause and thoughts about current attitudes in healthcare and in society generally.MethodsData was collected through three focus group interviews with 14 women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The qualitative analysis was transacted through systematic text condensation, where categories were derived from data.ResultsThe women in this study told us about being inadequately prepared for menopause through having insufficient knowledge of the menopausal transition. They experienced lack of clarity about where in the health care system they could get help and that knowledge of menopause varied among healthcare staff. The attitudes to menopause experienced by women in this study were both positive and negative, but they often equated menopause with getting old. To be better prepared for the climacteric transition, the women wanted information from health care professionals and they wanted menopausal care to be easily accessible and local. If needed, it should be possible to access clinics providing specialist care.ConclusionThis work indicates that women want more and improved information about menopause in order to be better prepared. Advice and treatment for menopausal healthcare care should be easily accessible for women. Improved education and care guidelines for menopausal problems can be helpful for healthcare staff.     

Maternity care provider acceptance of a future Group B Streptococcus vaccine – A qualitative study in three countries

IntroductionThere are vaccines in clinical trials that target the bacterium Group B Streptococcus (GBS). When approved, GBS vaccines will be intended for administration to pregnant women to prevent infection in their infants. The success of any vaccine will depend on its’ uptake in the population. Experience with prior maternal vaccines, e.g. influenza, Tdap and COVID-19 vaccines, teaches us that acceptance of vaccines, especially if novel, is challenging for pregnant women, and that provider recommendation is a key driver of vaccine uptake.MethodsThis study investigated attitudes of maternity care providers towards the introduction of a GBS vaccine in three countries (the United States (US), Ireland, and the Dominican Republic (DR)) with different GBS prevalence and prevention practices. Semi-structured interviews with maternity care providers were transcribed and coded for themes. The constant comparative method, and inductive theory building were used to develop conclusions.ResultsThirty-eight obstetricians, 18 general practitioners and 14 midwives participated. There was variability in provider attitudes towards a hypothetical GBS vaccine. Responses ranged from enthusiasm to doubts over the need for a vaccine. Attitudes were influenced by perceived additional benefits of a vaccine over current strategy and confidence in the safety of vaccines during pregnancy. Knowledge, experience and approaches to GBS prevention differed geographically and according to provider type, and influenced how participants assessed the risks and benefits of a GBS vaccine.ConclusionMaternity care providers are engaged in the topic of GBS management and there is opportunity to leverage attitudes and beliefs that will support a strong recommendation for a GBS vaccine. However, knowledge of GBS, and of the limitations of current prevention strategies vary among providers in different regions, and between different provider types. Targeted educational efforts with antenatal providers should focus on highlighting safety data the potential benefits of vaccination over current strategies.     

Being a man,but using the body as a woman - Norwegian midwives’ thoughts on providing antenatal care for pregnant transmen

ObjectiveTo explore midwives’ thoughts on providing antenatal care to pregnant transmen.MethodsA qualitative study based on semi-structured, individual interviews with 12 midwives during January 2022. Systematic text condensation was used for data analysis.ResultsThe analysis of the data material resulted in three result categories: 1) Gender transition and the desire to have children - exposure of the phenomenon can help to avoid stigmatisation, 2) A pregnant person is a pregnant person no matter what - the midwife's role in meeting a pregnant man, and 3) Being a man but using the body as a woman - the knowledge is lacking in the textbooks.ConclusionThe study showed that midwives have little knowledge about pregnant transmen. The knowledge gaps will remain unfilled unless more research is done on the topic, and sufficient information provides for good procedures and standards of care. Access to information about pregnant transmen and experiences of their encounters with midwives will contribute with new knowledge and over time, changes in attitudes, both professional and private.     

助产士全程陪护降低产后出血率的措施和效果观察

目的分析助产士全程陪护在减少产后出血中的作用。方法采用整群抽样法抽选2018年1月至2018年12月本院接收的住院分娩产妇共98例进行研究,并用均等双盲划分法将其中49例纳入对照组(予以常规监测和处理),剩余49例纳入观察组(予以一对一全程陪护),统计并比较两组的产后出血率、分娩方式以及满意度情况。结果观察组的产后出血率及剖宫产率比对照组更低,顺产率及满意度比对照组更高(P<0.05)。结论通过助产士全程陪护能减少产后出血发生,提升产妇顺产率和满意度,值得采用。